Politics, n. A strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. The conduct of public affairs for private advantage.

Every country has the government it deserves.

I am no courtesan, nor moderator, nor tribune, nor defender of the people: I am myself the people.

Television has made dictatorship impossible, but democracy unbearable.

To be turned from one’s course by men’s opinions, by blame, and by misrepresentation shows a man unfit to hold office.

The vice presidency isn’t worth a pitcher of warm piss.

It is impossible to tell which of the two dispositions we find in men is more harmful in a republic, that which seeks to maintain an established position or that which has none but seeks to acquire it.

A real leader is somebody who can help us overcome the limitations of our own individual laziness and selfishness and weakness and fear and get us to do better, harder things than we can get ourselves to do on our own.

The more corrupt the republic, the more numerous the laws.

A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always count on the support of Paul.

You have all the characteristics of a popular politician: a horrible voice, bad breeding, and a vulgar manner.

Every communist must grasp the truth: “Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun.”

If you must take care that your opinions do not differ in the least from those of the person with whom you are talking, you might just as well be alone.